COURSE DESCRIPTIONIntroduction and exploration of the basic terms and concepts of dance fundamental to ballet, jazz, modern and social dance techniques. Through the techniques of ballet barre, center floor work, and across-the-floor movement combinations, students will practice conditioning, strength, flexibility, alignment coordination, rhythm, musicality, body and spatial awareness.

OBJECTIVES

To develop better understanding and control of your body as an instrument of expression through the art of dance.

Introduction and exploration of the basic terms and concepts fundamental to all dance forms.

To develop a fundamental level vocabulary of movement and movement qualities.

To develop musicality and music awareness.

To develop observational skills when viewing dance as an art form.

COURSE CONTENT

In order to reach the objectives of this course, experiential learning is the only method acceptable. In order to know dance wholly, it must be experienced kinesthetically, spatially, rhythmically, emotionally, and intellectually through the expression of movement. You will dance in combination with imitation, visualization and interpretation of instructor movement demonstration, verbal guidance, and sound and music. In order to learn, you must be willing to attempt new and challenging activities without fear of failure and be supportive of your classmates’ learning process.

Classes are designed to follow a natural progression; both conceptually and physiologically. Class will begin with fundamental exercises to warm the body, focusing on body awareness and body alignment followed by exercises at the barre and in the center of the floor to target specific body parts. This progression is designed to gradually prepare your body for the more active movements and combinations at the end of class. For this reason, you must participate in the exercises at the beginning of each class for you to safely dance the entirety of class. Improvisation may be used to explore movement concepts as well as cognitive skills.

If you cannot participate physically on any given day you will still be expected to participate intellectually by watching the class and writing a synopsis of that class.

ANY TARDY STUDENT MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR IN ORDER TO JOIN IN THE CLASS THAT IS ALREADY IN PROGRESS! As a general rule, if you hear the music playing and/or it is 5 minutes past the start time of class, you are too late to participate.Two tardies equal one absence.

You will be expected to attend each class on time, properly attired. I want to see your body and I expect a neat and functional appearance. Shoes are optional. Avoid big jewelry or loose hair. Be ready to move.

To receive full benefit from the course, and each individual class, you must participate fully from beginning to end. I do not accept make-ups or extra credit for this course.

A=exceptional work, demonstrating consistently excellent performance in terms of skill, growth, participation, attendance, theoretical and aesthetic understanding.
B= very good to outstanding work most of the time demonstrating a high degree of excellence in performance in terms of skill, growth, participation, attendance, theoretical and aesthetic understanding, particularly as the term progresses.
C=fundamental mastery of skill, steady growth, good participation, appropriate attendance, basic theoretical and aesthetic understanding.
D=performance marred by lapses in attendance, attention, attitude or missing course work.
F=performance interrupted by significant absence or failure to complete expected course work.